Because it's one of only a couple really tight console shooters and the playtime that I'll get out of the multiplayer each year is worth $60.00 to me...Simple as that. It doesn't need to be the greatest game ever or the best CoD ever, it simply needs to be worth the asking price, which it is.

I have one...Based on Pro Evo Soccer and Steeldiver the graphics are extremely disappointing.

Maybe a bit better than the DS, I guess, but NOTHING to wow at for sure

:(

You have to give a bit more info on what type of surround sound you have and what kind of inputs/outputs it has and also what your TV has for outputs. The way you described it your surround sound isn't even connected to anything so it's not going to do anything. HDMI carries audio and video so currently your Xbox is sending audio and video to your TV. Preferably you'd want to run HDMI from the Xbox to the surround receiver, then another HDMI from the receiver to the TV. There's a ton of ways to do it but it all depends on what you're working with.

Samsung PN50C550...New 2010 model already on sale for $1169.99 at Best Buy, probably cheaper someplace online. 10x better than the B540/550 from last year and DESTROYS its direct competetor, the Panasonic TC-P50S2 which is the same price. The 2010 Samsung C550 plasma uses a single pane of glass like Pioneers were made, the Panasonic S2 uses 2 panes so it produces a double image with text, the color is garbage, and it is noisy/grainy as hell.

The BEST 50" TV in the $1,000 range is the Samsung PN50C550, end of story.

Your TV does have game mode, like you said there's a button on the remote as well as a game mode button on the TV itself. According to the instructions you press it once to see the game mode status, as in to see if it's on or off, then press it again to toggle on/off. Making the picture "darker" is probably normal because generally game mode locks the picture setting to "normal" as opposed to vivid or whatever else. When you put it on did it help with lag?

The 120hz engine is in Picture settings, then advanced video, then DCM (digital clear motion). Again, try going there and turning this off.

Component cables simply send a mich higher quality signal to the TV. What you're using now is composite, red/white/yellow. The red and white are both carrying audio and that one yellow cable is carrying all the video. Component cables still have the red/white for audio but then break the video into three signals, red/green/blue and the result is a much better image. You have to buy specific cables for the Wii or PS2 (PS3 component cables work with PS2 as well) but you do not need to buy the Nintendo or Sony branded ones if you don't want. Lots of companies make them some cost more than the first party ones, most cost less. A quick search on Amazon for "Wii component cable" or "PS2 component cable" will show you a good selection. If you don't feel like waiting for an online purchase Best Buy carries Rocketfish Wii cables for 25 bucks, 10 bucks cheaper than the Nintendo branded ones and they are better cables too. Best Buy also carries the Sony Playstation 3 component cables, which will work, for 25.

I'm not going into detail but I have to mention it...120hz/240hz on an LCD and 600hz on a plasma is apples to oranges...COMPLETELY different things. Hertz ratings on a plasma is clever marketing started by Panasonic last year with 480hz and now for this year they are all 600hz...but it has nothing to do with 120/240 on an LCD...Although generally speaking plasma handles motion slightly better than a 240hz LCD...That being said...

What you go with is completely up to personal opinion. LCD is generally going to be brighter, more vivid, in some cases a bit "sharper." Plasma is going to have slightly better motion and more "natural" color, but that means more subdued, like a movie theater type quality.

Personally, I think movies look better on plasma and games look better on LCD.

The Samsung PN50B650 is a fantastic plasma can't go wrong their. Similar priced/size LCD models would also be in the 6 series, including the LN52B610 (BJs/Costco/Sam's exclusive) LN52B630, LN55B640 (Best Buy exclusive), and LN55B650.

Goodluck!

Unfortunately, I'm going to say that what you're seeing might already be the best it's going to get...but here's a few things you could try:

• Try turning OFF 120hz. Since Wii/PS2 is sending a relatively poor, non HD signal 120hz processing can actually make things worse.
• Like someone already mentioned, see if your TV has a "game mode." If you give me your model number I can find out.
• If you're using composite cables (red, white, yellow) for your Wii/PS2, upgrade to component cables (red, blue, green - red, white). This can make a world of difference.
• Get a PS3/360! :o Sorry had to do it.

Hope this helps!

I'm a rep for Samsung but I do agree with above poster that the PS3 is a good choice...Easy to update through PSN.

If you want a stand alone player Samsung offers 3 for '09, the BD-P1600/3600/4600. The 1600 is the entry level unit and goes on sale at retail for around $250. The 3600 which goes for around $350 on sale adds built in memory for BD Live, a better upscaler for standard DVD, faster load times, and comes with the wireless N linkstick which sells for $80 by itself. The 4600 is ToC red, slim, side-loading, and wall mountable in addition to the 3600 features. All 3 units can stream Netflix and Pandora, which the PS3 cannot.

Hope that helps!

Chase HQ 2

"This is Nancy!"

The above post is mostly correct. A good 720p plasma is going to be better than a crappy 1080p LCD, of which there are many. Plasma is generally a better choice overall in terms of motion and picture quality, but I prefer gaming on an LCD. Plasmas have a more natural, accurate picture color but it is also more subdued and I find that LCDs look far better when running an HD video game...But that is just a preference. If you're looking to buy a TV let me know your budget and what size you want and I'll suggest some models.